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Systematic Theology Project

30. THE CHURCH OF GOD


DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

The Church is the spiritual body of Christ, a group of persons called out by
God and impregnated with His Holy Spirit. As a spiritual body, the Church is
made up of baptized, spirit filled individuals who are scattered around the
world. As a physical, external organization, the Church has meeting places in
many areas worldwide where members and non-members alike, as well as.
children and guests, meet in harmony to worship God and to learn His Way
under the guidance of an ordained minister as their spiritual elder and leader.
The main commission of the Church is to preach the gospel as a witness to
the world and to baptize and spiritually nurture those whom God has called.

DOCTRINAL OVERVIEW

While God at times has dealt with particular human beings on an individual basis, He
has normally worked through the congregation of Israel; in New Testament times this
became spiritual Israel or the Church. The Greek word for church (ekklesia) is a
common noun meaning group, crowd or assembly. It is used collectively of the
group of persons with whom God is dealing and in whom dwells Gods Holy Spirit.

The New Testament Church was originated and developed through Jesus Christ and the
preaching of His twelve disciples who were later called apostles. The Church dates its
origin from the first Pentecost following Christs ascension as explained in Acts 2.
Here Luke records the assembling together of Christs disciples, the outpouring of
Gods Holy Spirit upon them, and the consequent conversion of 3,000 of them who
believed in the gospel and person of Jesus Christ. From this point on, the Lord added
to the Church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47).

A number of metaphors or analogies are used by the Bible to clarify the organization of
the Church and to explain the place of the members within it. 1 Corinthians 12
describes Gods Church as a unified organism with the various members depicted as
various parts of the body with various responsibilities, administrations and duties. Each
member has an important contribution to the overall well-being of the whole body;
each has his own unique part in enabling the whole body of the Church to accomplish
its ultimate objectives. The Church is also referred to as a spiritual building (1 Cor. 3:9-
17) and as a familythe members being spiritually related one to another (Eph. 3:15).
They are called the siblings of Christ (Rom. 8:29) who, as their elder brother, leads
them and directs them in their way (Heb. 2:10).
The name most often used by the Bible to refer to Gods Church is the Church of
God (1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:13; 1 Tim. 3:5; etc.). In accordance with this
biblical example, we are named the Church of Godadding the description
Intercontinental to form our official corporate name, Intercontinental Church of
God in order to differentiate ourselves legally from other groups who call themselves
Church of God. Our name also delineates the scope of this Church.

The Church is also pictured as Christs bride. The members live in a state of
expectation and preparation for the return of the divine bridegroom (Eph. 5:22-32; Rev.
21:9). The bride is striving to prepare herself to be acceptable to Christ by the process
of spiritual growth, in order to become perfect and to measure up to the full stature of
the bridegroom, Christ.

Becoming a part of the Church of God is not an incidental matter. A person is first
called of God (Jn. 6:44), given an invitation as it were. Before accepting, Jesus said a
person should count the cost (Lk. 14:28), because the Christian life is often difficult.
When a person accepts this calling, he must repent of his past sins and go through the
ordinance of baptism by immersion. This symbolizes the washing away of all his past
sins. Then, with the laying on of hands by the ministry, the person receives the begettal
of the Holy Spirit. His covenant with God is now signed and sealed. At this point a
person becomes a full-fledged member of the Church of God. He becomes a Christian,
a saint, a begotten child of God reserved for the resurrection.

Members of the Church are exhorted to become a cohesive family unit. Judging each
other (Rom. 14:13), making spiritual comparisons among themselves (2 Cor. 10:12),
forming cliques, favoring one minister over another (1 Cor. 1:11-13), gossiping, etc. are
all divisive and counterproductive of collective goals. What Christians should strive for
is working together to further the preaching of the gospel, serving the poor, helping
weak brethren, encouraging the dejected, visiting the sick, aiding the elderly, bearing
each others burdens; these are the fundamentals of Christianity and produce a
strengthened church.

The Church constitutes the body of Christ, a spiritual entity (Col. 2:19). As such, the
Church is not merely a building, or even strictly speaking a physical organization of
persons who have joined the Church by having their names placed on a computer
listing. It is rather that group of persons in whom dwells Gods Holy Spirit. For by
one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).
Likewise, Romans 8:9 states that if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of
His. Although any person in whom Gods Holy Spirit dwells is by definition a
member of Gods Church, it is nevertheless erroneous to assume that any and all
nominal Christians are actually part of Gods true Church. The Bible also maintains
that: There is one body and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your
calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism... (Eph. 4:4-5).
One area where the Intercontinental Church of God has been accused of deviating from
the early New Testament Church ironically demonstrates just the reverse. The claim is
sometimes made that while the early church preached the doctrine of grace through
Christ, the Intercontinental Church of God preaches the doctrine of obedience to the
Law of God. Though often distortede.g. the Church does not preach that salvation can
be earned (see the appropriate doctrinal statements in this systematic theology)there is
an element of truth here, and a significant element at that. To understand the critical
parallelism, it is necessary to first compare the religious environments of first century
Judaism in which the early church began with twentieth century Christianity in which
the Intercontinental Church of God began. Judaism of the first century was extremely
strict by modem standards; its teachings were well known and stressed the enormous
importance of keeping not only Gods law but numerous additions to that law as well.
In this environment, it would have been ludicrous for the early apostles to emphasize
the need to keep Gods Sabbath, for example (see Sabbath). They stressed what was
new and revolutionarythat salvation was a free gift and could not be earned, that
Christs death paid the penalty for sin, that forgiveness and grace was available through
Christ, that Christ was resurrected, etc. Today, the religious environment is almost
diametrically the reverse, necessitating a change in the emphasis of doctrinal teaching
in order to produce the same overall result. The prevalent Christian message for
centuries has been about the person of Christ, His shed blood, grace, salvation, etc. to
the exclusion of the importance of keeping Gods law which Jesus and the apostles
knew so well. Consequently, owing to opposing religious situations and circumstances,
in order for the Church of God to clearly present to the world precisely the same overall
concept of Gods total revelation as did the early New Testament church, it is essential
that more emphasis be put on keeping Gods law. What we preach and practice today
is, in the final result, as close as possible to what the apostolic church preached and
practiced. Whatever differences there may be only reflect either cultural disparities
and/or shifts in stress or accent needed to generate the desired doctrinal identity.

Another demonstration of Gods Church is its fidelity to the Word of God. While
recognizing that it has developed a certain body of traditional beliefs, interpretations,
and practices, the Church of God is unique in its willingness to abandon tradition when
it becomes convinced that such is out of harmony with the Bible. The biblical
teachings rather than church tradition are considered the absolute standard of right
and wrong. Many other churches make this claim as well. However, our own history
over the past decades has backed up the claim with decisive action. When certain
understandings and beliefs were examined and found to be incorrect or lacking, they
were changed or modified. This fact has produced some astonishment in certain
students of religious history because churches as a rule are quite reluctant to go against
established tradition and usually greatly resist any movement for change, no matter
how much they may also claim to follow the Bible as their ultimate authority.

The Church of God is administratively organized in accordance with general biblical


guidelines and in a manner viable in this 20th century society. The head of the Church is
Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), who leads and inspires the Church and its leadership
through His Holy Spirit. Under Christ in authority are the ministers, theologians, and
Church executives who fulfill religious and administrative responsibilities respectively
in accord with such scriptures as 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 and Ephesians 4:11-13.

Throughout biblical history, Gods Church has had a relatively unified basic
commissionthat of carrying Gods message to those who have yet to hear and accept
it. Two scriptures which outline this commission are Matthew 24:14 and Matthew
28:29-30: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a
witness unto all nations;Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
(and] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. . . (v.
19-20).

This message may at times be delivered through speaking, writing, by ones very life or
any combination of these and other possible means. But regardless of the means, to
preach the gospel to the world is the express purpose, goal, commission and very
reason for being of the Church. Consequently, the central thrust of the leadership of
Gods Church today is towards preaching the gospel which is referred to both as an
announcement and as a witness and warning. The membership realizes that the
purpose of the Church is for the preaching of the message and not merely for its own
spiritual sustenance. The membership is wholeheartedly and enthusiastically behind
this effort; indeed they recognize that the purpose for their own calling now is to help
do the Work of God in addition to growing in their own Christian development.

Although the Church is described as a comparatively small group or flock (Lk. 12:32;
Mt. 7:14), Christ nonetheless assigns it an awesome task to fulfill. The members are to
be worthy ambassadors for Christ (II Cor. 5:20)i.e. effective representatives of the
godly way of lifeand proclaim to the world Gods plan for mankind. They are required
to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27), i.e. they
should be a positive example of Christianity in presenting the gospel to the world.

The Church recognizes that its local congregations are a powerful means by which the
gospel may be preached both through the example set by the membership of true
Christianity and through the effect that the local congregation should have on the
community it serves.

The objectives of the local congregation include more than just the spiritual
development of its members. Every congregation supports the work of preaching the
gospel worldwide. Every congregation also serves as a nucleus for new converts. It also
fosters educational programs to help all from the very young to the very elderly to grow
in the knowledge of Christ.

But pure religion involves more than preaching; it is a way of life exemplified by the
biblical teachings of love of God and love your neighbor as yourself The local
congregations of the Church of God endeavor to bear the burdens of the needy and be a
light to their communities through service to their fellow man and by the example of
their personal lives (Jas. 1:27).

Since the first qualification for being able to help others is for the individual himself to
be a living success, the Church actively seeks to develop the potential of each member
through nationwide programs for its adults and its youth. These programs are designed
to aid each individual in sustained, personal growth and development so that all might
better reflect Gods way of life to those around them.

But personal development is not satisfying unless it can be channeled in a productive


and creative way. Jesus exhorted His disciples to come to the aid of those in need (Mt.
25:34-36). Such humanitarian activities are the highest expression of love for God and
ones fellow man (v. 45). Therefore, the Church of God recognizes this God-enjoined
responsibility and strongly encourages each local congregation as we therefore have
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household
of faith (Gal. 6:10). And though the Church does not promote a lay-ministry concept it
is firmly believed that each member can be a powerful witness for Christ by living a
truly exemplary life of service and growth (1 Pet. 2:9-17).

Members of the Church of God are encouraged through weekly Sabbath services,
periodic Bible studies and other religious and social events, to learn the true qualities of
Christianity that are expressed in love for God and love for neighbor. This love for
ones neighbor means that a true Christian will help his fellow man both in and out of
the Church in every reasonable way. A true Christian will set an example of hard work
on his job, during recreation and in all aspects of daily life. His example of leading a
godly life should positively influence those around him and serve as his personal and
individual witness of the truth of the gospel of Christ. Historically, the example of the
membership of Gods Church in the community has had a powerful effect on those
with whom they came into contact.

Likewise, as a group, the combined membership of a local congregationled by its


ministermay, as a the opportunity arises, serve its local community during disaster or
time of special need. Once again, the positive Christian example of such a local
congregation in the community will be a great testimony to the proper principles of
God. Thus the working nucleus of the Church of God, letting its light so shine before
men (Mt. 5:16), is the local congregation.

Members of Gods Church are therefore exhorted to attend the religious activities of the
Church. These are not ends in themselves but directives of God, designed to spiritually
strengthen the individuals and the local congregation as a whole so that the light of
their Christianity might burn more brightly. This policy is in accordance with the
command of God that Christians should not neglect to meet together (Heb. 10:25). This
scripture is actually a warning from Paul to Christians not to forsake the assembling of
ourselves together as the manner of some is (Heb. 10:25). This warning was made in
the realization that daily cares can distract us from God and His plans for us. Meeting
together regularly on Gods weekly Sabbath and His annual holy days provides
Christians with the opportunity to have spiritual goals reestablished and spiritual vision
renewed. One who would habitually neglect Church services, with the exception of
circumstances beyond his control, is neglecting an important aspect of his spiritual life.
Local Church services also provide the community, as well as the membership, with an
open meeting to hear the truths of God that the minister expounds from the Bible.

As already mentioned, the Church of God traces its spiritual history back to the
apostolic church of the New Testament. This claim is founded on the fact that what we
believe and teach in the twentieth century are the same basic doctrines that the original
Church believed and taught in the first century.

Jesus said, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it
(Mt. 16:18). Consequently, we believe that God has always had, from Christs time to
this, some faithful group which He has used to perpetuate and propagate His truth.

Although the Church of God recognizes that its recent history is short, it sees many
spiritual and doctrinal predecessors through the last two millennia and traces its history
genealogically as well as spiritually to the New Testament Church.

It has never been the responsibility of Gods Church to evangelize for the express
purpose of proselyting new members. God is the one who calls persons to His Church
by opening their minds to His gospel (Jn. 6:44; Rom. 9:15-16). Nevertheless, as a result
of the preaching of Christs disciples, new convertsas called by God (Jn. 6:44) and in
numbers God chooses (Acts 2:47)are brought into the Church. Here they are nurtured
through Gods Word and helped by the ministry and each other to grow in grace and
the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

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